Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Every Dog Is A Therapy Dog

By Michele Jarvis Wonnacott


What if we took the time to train our dogs as accurate and fair as if we were training a therapy dog?

What would the result be if we devoted the time in showing the dog what we see from the basement to the shopping mall? What if they were shown how to act and be protected in all situations that they may come across in our everyday lives?

What if we devoted the time and realized that all living creatures - even people - need to learn about life in their own way and at a pace that is comfortable for them? The learning process cannot be hurried. It must be developed. What if we devoted the amount of time needed to enjoy the experience of teaching in a patient and understanding way and used only encouragement to assist the dog when it does not behave?

I bet the dog would be happier, we would be less stressed and perhaps our lives together would be full of fun and new experiences together. Why is it that we require such a high level of perfection from our dogs? Is it because they are a reflection of yourself and if they are disobedient so are you?

In a world that is far from perfect, it is not possible to find excellence in everything including our canines. If you try, it will cause conflict and folly. I ask that you teach your dog the same as if you were training a dog for someone who needs all the special abilities your dog can provide. Be full of pride at your dog's deeds and work out the behavior that is rebellious. When you do this, you will be more satisfied and it will allow you to discover the natural abilities that are part of your dog's personality. Do not demand too much, just teach him regularly until you know how he will respond and he knows how you will respond in all settings. Your dog and you are partners and this means you should understand each other since without understanding you will not have anything.

You are a team a "pack'. You are meant to understand one another, without this you have nothing.
So I invite you to take your time, learn all you can about the breed, their needs, their natural instincts and how best to guide them in our big fancy scary world and just have fun. Look at is as kindergarten to grade 12....then take a peek at college and university before ever giving up.

You just may find that you are having fun teaching your dog, you may find out a whole bunch of new things that you love about him or her. You may find that they make you laugh hysterically or make you want to run or play as well. It's a wide open book people, and they are just waiting for you to turn the pages. Don't get stuck on page one as you will miss the whole exciting, loving plot. At the end of all of this, you may find that you were the student and the dog was the teacher all along. Dive in and train the dog as if he or she is a therapy dog, after all they are...they are your very own therapy dog aren't they.




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